Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 02 2wd balljoints

[MBalaniuk]

can anyone tell me if replacement balljoints for my 2500 02 are bolt in or do they need to be riveted in place like the oe units

 

[SHobbs]

All my ball joints were riveted in place and the ones I replaced them with came with bolts to attatch the new ones. Give Rockauto a call, 10% discount for TDR members, they carry Moog which is what I used. It aint real easy to get the rivets out, I had to drill through the center then grind them flat and knock them out. You might as well do the control arm bushings as well while you are there.

 

[MBalaniuk]

thanks for the the tips, although i havent had the chance to pull a wheel off and have a good look ive got it in my head that maybe i can grab my torch and burn the rivets off from the bottom and punch them up through. just a thought.

 

[SHobbs]

Another tip incase you did or did not know. If you will put a floor jack under the lower control arm for support then knock the bottom ball joint loose you can lower the jack all the way down and the coil spring will fall out. No need for a spring compressor.